Wednesday, January 15, 2014

How to Reach Out to Others – With Love

By Hillary-Beth Koenig

Part 3: Overcoming the Excuses...But...

In
Part 1 I talked about Viewing Others As God Sees Them; You do see their
sin. You do see their worth as God’s creation. Then you choose to love
them despite their sin, just as God sees us.In
Part 2 I talked about Letting them know what you think about them. This
includes praying for those opportunities, making opportunities out of
everyday situations and random acts of kindness. Maybe you’ve read Part 1 and Part 2. And maybe you are thinking, “But…”If you are, this part is for you.But
she is still so mean. But he still frowns at me every day. But she
doesn’t try to get along. But she won’t listen when I’m trying to be
nice. But nothing’s changing at home. But he doesn’t care about the
things that matter most to me, even God. But she still yells. But she
doesn’t deserve nice treatment. But he hurt everyone so badly. But she’s
not sorry.Do
any one of those sound like the things you might say in your mind? Do
you feel this way toward someone in your heart? Do you see no hope, no
change, nothing new, and just give up?There
might be times in your life, and situations, where you need to separate
yourself from some person or group of people because they really aren’t
changing and they are affecting your walk with God. But, most of the
time, God has the people He does in our lives for a reason; that we
could point them to Him! Even
when you can’t see God working in their lives, you shouldn’t give up.
Even when you can’t see any changes, you shouldn’t give in. Yes, that’s
right – you still have the duty and privilege of showing them
compassion. If they ask you why, you will be able to tell them about
God’s compassion for you. If someone else makes fun of you for doing the
right thing, or asks you why you would be nice to someone who is awful
to you, you can tell that person about God’s love. You will be able to
tell them that God wants to give them the same mercy and grace!But…You
still are struggling to decide to do the right thing. There are so many
excuses. But guess what? When you are before God, what decisions will
you have wished you would have made? Make the right decision now.First, get in mind the person or people who you are having trouble reaching out to.Now, ask God to help you decide to think of them as He does.Maybe
get out a piece of paper, a journal, or something you can keep. You can
write something like this: I have decided to think about X as God does.
I have asked Him to help me in deciding this.This is the next step: Ask God to help you see opportunities.Maybe
on that paper or journal you can write: I have asked God to help me
find opportunities to reach out to X. I am not going to base my actions
and feeling on what X does, but rather on God’s goodness and mercy. I
have asked God to help me use these opportunities wisely, that is, so I
will point to God in what I do and say. I’m not perfect, and I realize
that. But I commit myself, today, to being godly. That is, seeking what
God wills and living it out, by deciding to look past the sin to see the
people God created.Does that make sense?Maybe not.Because,
if I got what I deserved…well, I’ve sinned. Sinners go to hell. Hell is
real and some people die every day that aren’t saved. They go to hell.
I’ve been saved. My heart cries out for people to turn to God. If I can
do anything to help them see their way is not God’s way, and to lead
them to God’s way or a little closer to God’s way, then I am doing my
part. I challenge you – commit yourself to God. Submit yourself to God. And reach out to others as He provides the opportunities.